Rockville Centre, New York, July 18, 2006 – Bishop William Murphy appointed Monsignor Francis J. Schneider pastor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary parish in Melville, N.Y., effective June 28, 2006.

This is the first pastoral assignment for Msgr. Schneider, who was born to Francis and Marilyn Schneider and grew up in Commack, N.Y. and Smithtown, N.Y.

“I’m overwhelmed by the welcome and affection of the people here at the parish,” said Msgr. Schneider.

Msgr. Schneider attended St. Pius X Preparatory Seminary in Uniondale, N.Y., earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Cathedral College in Douglaston, N.Y. in 1978 and graduated from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, N.Y. in 1983.

His first assignment was associate pastor of St. Patrick parish in Glen Cove, N.Y.

He earned his Licentiate in Canon Law (JCL) from Gregorian University in Rome and his Doctorate in Canon Law (JCD) from Catholic University in Washington.

Msgr. Schneider went on to become the vice chancellor of the Diocese of Rockville Centre for five years and then the chancellor of the Diocese for six years. One of his responsibilities was advising the bishop on canonical matters.

He also developed the Diocese’s historical records archive, winning him the “Distinguished Support of Archives” award from the Long Island Archives Association in 1996.

Often overlooked, Msgr. Schneider was a resident priest at Our Lady of Peace parish in Lynbrook, N.Y. for three years and at St. Vincent de Paul parish in Elmont, N.Y. for eight years. He was administrator of the latter parish twice.

In September 2001, Msgr. Schneider was appointed rector of the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception.

St. Elizabeth of Hungary is a parish of about 3600 families, according to Msgr. Schneider. Its location next to St. Anthony High School creates a tight-knit community.

“It’s a great joy to be with them,” he said. “I look forward to learning.”


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About The Diocese of Rockville Centre
The Diocese of Rockville Centre was formed in 1957 and covers 1,222 square miles in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The diocese serves approximately 1.4 million Catholics (total population in both counties is approximately 3.3 million). There are 134 parishes in 115 towns. Last year over 20,000 baptisms, 18,000 confirmations, 20,000 first communions and 5,000 marriages took place in the diocese. There are 2,137 students in Catholic kindergarten, 23,825 in primary or elementary school, 12,628 in secondary school and 3,300 in higher institutions. There are 76 Catholic elementary and high schools and one Catholic college in the diocese. Catholic Health Services of Long Island consists of five hospitals, three nursing homes, two home-care agencies, two senior housing complexes, a community-based home for those with special needs and a hospice. Last year, Catholic Charities assisted more than 80,000 individuals who are poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged on Long Island. For more information, visit www.drvc.org

Contact:
Sean P. Dolan
Director of Communications
516-678-5800, ext. 625
sdolan@drvc.org
 

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